Vacations can get expensive if you aren’t careful. While some costs are unavoidable, others can be reduced with a little effort. Here are my best money saving tips for travelers!

Travel With Friends

Splitting the cost with friends can make traveling very budget friendly. You can rent a house for less than you would pay for a hotel room! And you get to share your adventure with your friends. Traveling in groups can also provide an extra layer of safety. Check out my 15 Tips For Traveling Safely.

Avoid the Busy Season

I love to travel during the shoulder season! The shoulder season is the month or two before and after the busy season. Prices are much lower (as in up to half off!) and the weather is usually still decent. Plus there are less people which is always nice. If you have flexibility with your travel dates this money saving tip can save you big time. 

Utilize Travel Rewards

If you have one of the Best Credit Cards For Traveling then you may have some perks that can save you money. Check your credit card benefits to see how your card can save you money. For example, my credit card includes rental car insurance so I always save money on rental cars. Other perks may include hotel credits, restaurant discounts, and travel insurance, just to name a few.

Look for Amenities

Try to book a place that has some extra amenities that may save you money. If you stay in a hotel you can look for one that includes breakfast. This is where Airbnb really shines because a lot of these places include extras such as snorkeling gear, beach chairs and towels, and other items that can save you money. 

How to Save Money on Food

Save money on food! This part of the trip can get really expensive. If your destination has cheap food (like Thailand) then you may not need to worry about your food costs. But if you are going somewhere like Europe or Hawaii, you may want to follow these tips.

  • Book a place with a kitchen or kitchenette and prepare food at home. Reducing the amount you eat out saves you a ton of money! A full kitchen may cost a little more upfront (read my guide on How To Plan A Trip), but your budget will thank you. A kitchenette is usually a little cheaper and has some basics like a fridge and microwave. With a kitchenette you can stock up on some prepared food from the grocery stores. If you are in the United States then I highly recommend Trader Joe’s. They have amazing low cost prepared foods that only require a fridge, and maybe a microwave. Even most hostels have at least a fridge and microwave in the common area that you can use to save money.
  • Pack your lunches to go. Going out all day? No problem, bring a small cooler bag, or see if your rental has one you
    can use. Most tropical places will have beach stuff for you to use, including coolers. Pack a lunch to go and even make a fun picnic out of it. 
  • Stock up on easy to pack snacks and drinks. This will prevent you from hitting a restaurant every time you get hungry. Having something to snack on will help you avoid over priced touristy eateries. 

Pack Light to Save Money

This is one of my favorite money saving tips for travelers because I am a minimalist when I travel. You can save money (and time and stress) by traveling with just a carry-on. You will avoid checked bag fees, and you won’t have to worry about your bags getting lost. If you are going on a longer trip you may want to stay somewhere with laundry, or make sure there is a laundry mat nearby. You will also have to be mindful of what you purchase while traveling since your space is limited. This can reduced the amount you spend shopping. 

Track Your Spending

Self awareness is such a powerful tool! Keep track of how much you are spending each day. Doing this will help you make more mindful purchases and stay within your budget.

Walk When Possible

You can save yourself some money on transportation if you stay somewhere you can walk. Look around the neighborhoods you book in to see if there are groceries, restaurants, coffee, night life, etc… Often times the reviews will talk about how walkable a place is. Added bonus… you are getting exercise while on vacation!

Pay Attention to Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks can add up fast! If you like to drink on vacation (I sure do!) then limiting how much you drink can be a smart money saving move. If you like the night life, then trying having a drink of two at home before you go so you order less drinks out. And if you can forgo the booze altogether you will keep your spending low. 

Check for Discounts

Check sites like Groupon to see if there are any discounted activities that appeal to you. Searching online for discounts can make a big difference. Also, book activities on days they might be offering discounts. Many places offer discounts for seniors, military personal, students, ect… 

Following these money saving tips for travelers can really add up in the end. Keeping your budget low means you can start saving for the next trip before this one is even over!